3

Physics
CAPE PAST PAPER
QUESTIONS

From May/June 2017

To May/June 2010

Module 2 – Waves
 4

May June 2017, Q2

1. (a) Three pieces of apparatus are shown in the figure below.

With the aid of a labelled diagram, describe how the pieces of apparatus shown in the
figure above can be used to disprove the theory of the particulate nature of light.
[6 marks]

(b) With the aid of an appropriate diagram, show that for Young’s double slit experiment,
y = λ D/a, where λ is the wavelength of the source, a is the slit separation, D is the
distance between the slits and the screen, and y is the separation between the central
bright fringe and the first order fringe. [4 marks]

(c) In Young’s double slit experiment, the slit spacing was 0.56 mm and the distance across
the four-fringe spacing was 3.6 mm when the screen was at a distance of 0.8 m from the
slits.

(i) Calculate the wavelength of the monochromatic light used in this experiment.
[3 marks]

(ii) On a suitable sketch, indicate the intensity variation of the fringes from the
central maximum to the fourth bright fringe. [2 marks]

Total 15 marks

May June 2017, Q5

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2. (a) (i) Distinguish between the terms ‘threshold of hearing’ and ‘threshold of pain’
when applied to the intensity of sound. [2 marks]

(ii) What TWO properties of the human ear makes the decibel (dB) scale
particularly useful? [2 marks]

(iii) The sound from a vuvuzela (a horn popular at football matches) can be as high
as 115 db. Determine the intensity of such a sound in W m −2. [6 marks]

(The threshold of hearing, I o, is 1 × 10 −12 W m −2.)

(b) The figure below, not drawn to scale, shows a loudspeaker connected to an audio
frequency signal generator/amplifier that is set up 3 metres in front of a large flat wall.
A small microphone which detects regions of high and low intensity is moved between
the speaker and the wall.

(i) Explain why there are positions between the speaker and the wall where
intensity is a minimum, and why these minima do NOT actually have zero
intensity. [2 marks]

(ii) The points marked X are points of minima between the wall and the speaker.
Determine the frequency setting of the signal generator. [3 marks]

Total 15 marks
 6

May June 2016, Q2

1. (a) A transverse progressive wave travels along a stretched string from left to right.
The shape of part of the string at a particular instant is shown in Figure 2. The
frequency of the wave is 15 Hz.

Use the figure 2 to determine, for this wave, its

(i) amplitude [1 mark]

(ii) phase difference between Points P and Q on the string [1 mark]

(iii) speed. [2 marks]

 7

instant is shown in Figure 3. The points on the string are at their maximum displacement.

(i) State the phase difference in the motion of the points on the string labelled X and
Y.

(ii) Distinguish between the terms ‘antinode’ and ‘node’ when used to describe
stationary waves on a string.

(iii) State the number of antinodes shown on Figure 3.

.................................................................................................................................
[1 mark]

(c) Table 2 shows how the wavelength produced on a stretched string changes as the wave
speed is varied.

Wave Speed, v /m s–1 Wavelength, λ /m

05 0.06
10 0.12
15 0.18
20 0.24
25 0.30
30 0.36
35 0.42
40 0.48

(i) On the grid provided in Figure 4 (page 11), plot a suitable graph to represent the
data. [5 marks]

(ii) Hence, determine the frequency of the standing wave.

[2 marks]
 8

Total 15 marks

5. (a) Briefly describe a laboratory experiment to prove Snell’s law.

Indicate any precautionary measures that must be taken during this experiment.

(b) Three transparent glass blocks, A, B and C, are arranged (not to scale) as shown in

Figure 10. Each glass block has a different refractive index.

Figure 10. Arrangement of transparent glass blocks

2. A motorcar travelled from rest and its velocity over an 80-second period was measured. The
results are shown in the table below.

Velocity, v (m s–1) 0 30 30 30 0

Time, t (s) 0 20 40 60 80

Point A B C D E

(a) Plot the graph of velocity against time. (7 marks)

 9

(b) Use the graph to determine EACH of the following:

(i) The acceleration during the interval AB

(ii) The velocity of the motorcar after 70 seconds (with the aid of dotted lines)
(1 mark)

(iii) The total distance travelled over the 80 second period (9 marks)

(c) From your graph, describe the velocity of the vehicle over the period BC. (1 mark)

(d) This question investigated how velocity varied with time. Define the term ‘velocity’.
(3 marks)

Total 25 marks

2. (a) Complete the graphic below by drawing an arrow from each physical quantity to its
respective unit.

Physical Quantity Unit

Density Nm
 10

Moment Ns

Linear Momentum kg m –3

(2 marks)

(b) Complete the following statements.

(i) Kinetic energy is defined as (1 mark)

(ii) The potential energy of a body is defined as (1 mark)

(iii) The formula for the change in gravitational potential energy is (1 mark)

(iv) Waterfalls are commonly found across the Caribbean. Describe the energy
changes taking place in a waterfall. (2 marks)

(c) A pendulum swings from A through B to C and returns to A as seen in the figure below.

A and C are the furthest points with B being the midpoint.

State the type of energy that exists at:

(i) A (1 mark)

(ii) B (1 mark)

(iii) C (1 mark)

(iv) Another point D, is situated midway between A and B. If the pendulum is

returning to A to complete an oscillation, explain which type of energy is
 11

increasing and why. (2 marks)

(d) Netball is a popular sport played across the Caribbean. If a netball has a mass of 0.4 kg
and a velocity of 5 m s –1, calculate its kinetic energy. (3 marks)

Total 15 marks

May June 2015, Q4

4. (a) State Newton’s three laws of motion. (6 marks)

(b) In a crash test, a car travelling at a constant velocity of 26 m s –1 crashes into a wall and
is brought to rest.

(i) Calculate the initial momentum of a 70 kg test dummy in the car before the
crash. (3 marks)

(ii) Calculate the average force exerted on the dummy by the seatbelt during the
crash if the duration of the collision is 0.1 seconds. (3 marks)

(iii) With the removal of all protective features, the dummy was subjected to another
crash test with the same initial speed. This time it was subjected to a ‘lethal’
decelerating force of 45 000 N. Calculate the duration of this collision.
(3 marks)

Total 15 marks

January 2015, Q1

2. A Form 4 Physics student was investigating how the square of the period, T 2, of a simple
pendulum varied with its length, l. Her objective was to determine the acceleration due to
gravity. The table below shows her results.

Length of Time for 20

Time for 1 Oscillation Period Squared,
Pendulum, Oscillations,
(period), T /s T2 /s2
l /m t /s
 12

0.20 18.00

0.30 21.91
0.40 25.40
0.50 28.28

0.60 31.10

0.70 33.80

(a) Complete the table below to determine values for plotting a graph. (6 marks)

(b) Plot a graph of Period Squared (T 2) on the vertical axis versus length (l) on the
horizontal axis. Start each axis at zero. (7 marks)

(c) Calculate the gradient of this graph. (4 marks)

(d) The acceleration due to gravity, g, is related to T 2 and l by the equation

l
g = 4 π2 × 2 [π = 3.14]
T

Use the gradient of the graph to calculate the value of g.

(4 marks)

(e) Draw a clearly labelled diagram of a simple pendulum as it was used in this
investigation. (4 marks)

Total 25 marks
 13

2. (a) (i) One of the things that physics is concerned with is the study of energy.

Complete the table below to show two other major forms of energy and ONE
example of each.

Forms of Energy Example

(1) Mechanical A moving car/object.

(2)

(3)

(4 marks)

(ii) State the SI unit of energy. (1 mark)

(iii) Define the SI unit of energy named in (ii) above. (2 marks)

(b) A bucket filled with cement of total mass 60 kg is raised vertically 150 m from the
ground to the twelfth floor of a building under construction as shown in the figure
below.

(i) Calculate the amount of energy that was needed to perform this activity.
(Assume no frictional forces were present.) (3 marks)

(ii) If this activity takes 25 seconds to complete, calculate the power utilized in
kilowatts.
 14

(iii) If friction was present, what effect if any, would this have on the power needed?
(1 mark)

(Gravitational field strength, g = 10 N kg –1)

Total 15 marks

May June 2014, Q2

2. (a) The unit of energy, the Joule, has two equivalent derived units

(i) In the figure below, indicate inside the bubbles, two equivalent derived units for
the Joule.

(2 marks)

(ii) Solar energy is one of the popular alternative sources of energy. State ONE
application of solar energy. (1 mark)

(iii) State ONE advantage of using solar energy in the Caribbean. (1 mark)

(iv) A variety of alternative energy technologies are being used in the Caribbean and
globally. Other than solar energy, complete Table 3 to show three other types of
alternative energy technologies and their sources.

Alternative Energy Source

(1)

(2)

(3)
 15

(3 marks)
(b) A basketball of mass 0.44 kg was dropped vertically from rest at A, 12 m from the
ground as seen in the figure below.

Calculate the

(i) gravitational potential energy of the ball at the point of release, A. (3 marks)

(ii) final velocity of the ball on reaching the ground 1.56 seconds later.
(Assume no loss of energy as the ball falls). (3 marks)

(iii) ball’s momentum when it hits the ground. (2 marks)

[ Acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.8 m s 2 ]

Total 15 marks
 16

January 2014, Q2

2. (a) (i) The figure below shows some physical quantities and their units.

Draw an arrow from EACH quantity to its unit.

(3 marks)

(ii) Complete the table below to show the names of three forces and a situation in
which EACH force acts.

Force Situation
(1) A javelin falling in the air
(2) Upthrust
(3)

(4 marks)
 17

(b) Patrick and Patricia showed their class a ‘magical’ balancing act. They both sat on one
side of a uniform 6.0 m plank. Patrick sat 1.0 m from the pivot located 0.5 m from the
centre of the plank. Patricia sat 0.5 m from the pivot, on the same side as Patrick.

The figure below shows the ‘magical’ balancing act. X represents the pivot point.

(i) Label, as W, the point on the figure where the weight of the plank acts.
(1 mark)

(ii) Calculate the weight of the plank, W. (4 marks)

(iii) If Patrick sat alone on the plank, calculate where he would have to sit in order to
maintain his ‘magical’ balancing act. The pivot remains as before. (3 marks)

Total 15 marks

May June 2013, Q1

1. Table 1 shows the results obtained by a student who performed an experiment to investigate
how the length of a spring varies with the load applied to the end of the spring.

Load, F /N Length, L /m
2.0 0.36

4.0 0.35
6.0 0.40
8.0 0.46

10.0 0.51

(a) Plot a graph of length (L) on the vertical axis versus Load (F). Start each axis at zero.
(7 marks)
 18

(b) Determine the gradient of the graph. (4 marks)

(c) What information about the spring does the gradient of the graph provide? (1 mark)

(d) (i) Use the graph to find the original length of the spring. (2 marks)

(ii) Use the gradient to calculate the extension of the spring if a 0.7 kg mass hangs
freely from the end of the spring. Hence calculate the length of the spring with
the mass attached. (6 marks)
1
[ g = 10 N kg ]

(iii) If the spring was stretched beyond its elastic limit how would this affect the
shape of the graph? (1 mark)

(e) (i) How would you identify the region where proportionality exists? (2 marks)

(ii) Classify EACH quantity shown in table below, as a scalar or vector by inserting
a tick () in the appropriate column.

Quantity Scalar Vector

Load
Extension
(2 marks)

Total 25 marks

May June 2013, Q4

4. (a) (i) State the law of conservation of linear momentum. (3 marks)

(ii) Describe a situation that demonstrates the law of conservation of linear

momentum. (3 marks)

(b) A truck, of mass 1250 kg, heading north crossed the median on the Jasper Highway,
then slammed head-on at 25 m s −1 into a 625 kg car heading south at 30 m s −1.

(i) What was the initial momentum of the truck?

(ii) What was the initial momentum of the car?

(iii) Assuming the car and truck move as one following the collision, what is the
speed and direction of the wreck right after the collision? (9 marks)

Total 15 marks
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January 2013, Q2

2. (a) Complete the table below which shows physical quantities and the instruments used to
measure them.

Quantity Instrument

Diameter of a wire

Volume of a liquid

Thermometer

Spring balance

Time

(5 marks)

(b) A child, drops a stone as shown in the figure below.

(i) Identify the force which acts on the stone, causing it to fall. (1 mark)

(ii) Describe the change in motion of the stone as a result of this force. (1 mark)

(c) (i) Given that the mass of a cricket ball is 0.06 kg, calculate its weight in newtons.
(3 marks)
–2
[Acceleration due to gravity, g = 10 m s ]

(ii) The figure below is a vector diagram representing a cricket ball’s velocity, OA,
and the wind’s velocity, OB.

a) By accurate scale drawing on the figure, determine the resultant vector.

 20

Scale 1 cm = 2 m s 1
(3 marks)

b) State its magnitude in m s 1 and its direction in degrees from OA.

(2 marks)
Total 15 marks

January 2013, Q6

6. (a) Discuss the importance of alternative energy to the Caribbean with reference to two
sources and their uses. (6 marks)

(b) A football is kicked from rest looping over the head of a goalkeeper who is 40 m away.

(i) Describe the energy changes taking place in the ball from when it was kicked to
when it hit the ground behind the goalkeeper. (Assume no energy losses.)
(4 marks)

(ii) After 1 s, the ball of mass m kg and velocity v m s –1 is located h m from the
ground.

Derive an expression in terms of m, h and v for the difference between the

potential and the kinetic energy of the ball. (2 marks)

(iii) During a game, the ball of mass 0.43 kg hit the head of one of the players of
height 1.5 m. The player was standing vertically. If the velocity of the ball at the
point of contact with the player’s head was 7 m s –1, what momentum was
transferred to the player? (3 marks)

[ Acceleration due to gravity, g = 10 N kg –1 ]

Total 15 marks
 21

May June 2012, Q2

2. (a) Complete Table 2 which relates the physical quantities and their derived SI units.
TABLE 2

Physical Quantity Derived SI Units

Area
Volume
Kg m–3

(3 marks)

(ii) State TWO fundamental quantities and their corresponding SI units.

TABLE 2
Fundamental
SI Units
Quantity
1.
2.

(4 marks)

(b) (i) Calculate the density of gasoline which occupies 150 cm3 of space and has a
mass of 102 g. (3 marks)

(ii) If 325 g of mercury of density 13.6 gcm–3 occupies a certain space, determine
the volume of the space. (3 marks)

(iii) Calculate the relative density of gasoline using the density of mercury as the
base quantity for the comparison. (2 marks)

Total 15 marks
 22

May June 2012, Q3

3. The yacht shown in Figure 1 has a mass of 8300 kg.

Figure 1. Diagram showing a yacht on a trailer

(a) Determine its weight in air.

[Acceleration due to gravity, g = 10 N Kg–1]

(2 marks)

(b) For land transport, the yacht is secured on a trailer. Each tyre on the trailer can support
up to a maximum of 7000 Newtons. What is the LEAST number of tyres the trailer
should have to support the yacht adequately?

(c) (i) Many forces act on the yacht yet it is in equilibrium. State TWO conditions that
must be satisfied for an object to be in equilibrium. (2 marks)

(ii) State the effect that the position of the centre of gravity of an object has on its
stability. (1 mark)

(d) (i) State Archimedes’ Principle. (2 marks)

(ii) The yacht’s hull is made of steel with density, ρs, equal 7850 kg m–3. Explain
how the yacht is able to float in sea water of density, ρw,1025 kg m–3.
(2 marks)

(iii) Calculate the volume of sea water displaced by the yacht as it floats. (4 marks)
Total 15 marks
 23

January 2012, Q1

1. A Form 4 Physics student performed an activity to determine the mass of a lump of plasticine,
Mp. A diagram of the setup of the apparatus used is seen in the figure below. The Principle of
Moments was used.

The results of the activity were recorded in the table below.

Position of Plasticine, Position of 50 g mass

x /cm y /cm
p/cm q/cm

10.0 86.0 40.0

20.0 76.2 30.0

30.0 66.0 16.0

35.0 62.8 12.8

40.0 57.9 10.0

45.0 53.6 5.0

(a) Complete the table by calculating the values of x and y. (3 marks)

(b) Use the results from the completed table to plot a graph of y /cm against x /cm,
(6 marks)

(c) From your graph, calculate the slope, z. (5 marks)

(d) Use your graph to determine how far the 50 g mass needs to be placed if it balances
when the plasticine was placed 27.5 cm from the pivot, R. (1 mark)
 24

(e) State the Principle of Moments. (4 marks)

(f) The weight of the plasticine, Wp, is related to the weight of the 50 g mass, Wm, by the
formula, Wp = gradient × Wm.

(i) Determine the weight of the plasticine, Wp. (4 marks)

(ii) Calculate the mass of the plasticine, Mp. (2 marks)

[ g = 10 N kg –1 ]
Total 25 marks

January 2012, Q2

2. (a) (i) Complete Table 2 relating fundamental quantities and their base unit symbols.

Name Symbol Base (SI) Unit

Mass m kg
Time
Current
Temperature
Length
(4 marks)

(ii) State the difference between a ‘linear scale’ and a ‘non-linear scale’. (2 marks)

(iii) You are provided with the following three measuring instruments.

Metre rule, Clinical thermometer, Conical flask

Which of the instruments listed above has a non-linear scale? (1 mark)

 25

(b) The container shown in the figure below is completely filled with cement.

(i) If the mass of the cement is 15 000 kg, calculate the density of this cement
sample in kg m –3. (4 marks)

(ii) What pressure, in Newtons, would the cement exert on the base of the
container? (4 marks)

[ g = 10 N kg –1 ]

Total 15 marks

May June 2011, Q1

1. A taxi driver was taking his friends to a popular 20/20 cricket match. Table 1 shows the
vehicle’s velocity for the first minute of the journey.

Velocity, V/ms–1 Time, t / s

0.0 0.0

11.0 10.0

23.0 20.0

34 .0 30.0

47.0 40.0

57.0 50.0

69.0 60.0

(a) Plot a graph of velocity (V) versus time (t). (7 marks)

(b) From the graph, calculate the slope, p. (4 marks)

(c) What quantity does the slope, p, represent? (1 mark)

 26

(d) For the next minute, the vehicle’s velocity was constant, then for the final minute, the
vehicle decelerated uniformly to a stop on reaching the stadium.

(i) Continue the velocity-time graph on page 3, to show this information and use
the graph to determine the total distance travelled. (4 marks)

(ii) Calculate the average velocity of the taxi for the complete journey. (2 marks)

(iii) If the total mass of the loaded taxi was 1 500 kg, determine the momentum of
the vehicle when it is travelling at constant velocity. (3 marks)

(e) (i) Define the term ‘displacement’.

(ii) Complete the table below by ticking (√) the appropriate column that represents
the quantity, given in the table.

Quantity Scalar Vector

Displacement

Acceleration

(2 marks)
Total 25 marks

January 2011, Q1

1. A popular sprinter of mass 60 kg, was running a 100 m race. Her velocity was measured over a
10.0 s period. The results are recorded in the table below.

Velocity, v /m s–1 0.0 2.5 5.0 7.5 10.0 10.0

Time, t /s 0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0

(a) Define the following terms:

(i) Velocity (2 marks)

(ii) Acceleration (2 marks)

(b) Use the results from the table above to plot a graph of Velocity versus Time.
(7 marks)

(c) Determine the slope of the graph over the first 6.0 s of the race. (4 marks)
 27

(d) How is the slope of the graph related to the acceleration of the sprinter? (2 marks)

(e) Calculate the resultant force acting on the sprinter after 6.0 s. (3 marks)

(f) Using the graph drawn, determine how far from the finish line the sprinter would be
after 10.0 s. (5 marks)

Total 25 marks

May June 2010, Q2

2. (a) Define EACH of the following terms.

(i) Velocity (2 marks)

(ii) Acceleration (2 marks)

(iii) Linear momentum (2 marks)

(b) In 2008, at the Beijing Olympics, Usain Bolt of Jamaica reclaimed his title as the
world’s fastest man. He completed the 100 m final in a world record time of 9.69 s. He
accelerated uniformly from rest for the first 6.5 seconds, covering 60 m before coasting
at maximum speed to the finish.

(i) Calculate his average speed for the first 6.5 s. (2 marks)

(ii) What was his maximum speed? (2 marks)

(iii) What was his acceleration during the first 6.5 s? (2 marks)

(iv) a) What MAJOR form of energy did BOLT possess when he crossed the
finish line? (1 mark)

b) Calculate the value of this energy if his mass was 86 kg. (2 marks)

Total 15 marks
 28

January 2010, Q2

2. (a) (i) Complete the following table, by inserting the correct quantity, formula and unit.

Quantity Formula Unit

F = ma
Potential Energy
kg m s –1
(3 marks)

(ii) State the ‘law of conservation of linear momentum’. (4 marks)

(b) (i) “BIG CRASH ON THE HIGHWAY”

“Two trucks of equal mass collided head-on at the same speed on the busy East-
West Highway. They both remained stationary on impact.”
Explain this crash in terms of conservation of linear momentum. Assume the
masses of other contents of the trucks are equal. (4 marks)

(ii) A police recruit, while training, shot at a stationary target of mass 5.0 kg, with a
bullet of mass 0.1 kg. The target was mounted on low-fiction wheels and as soon
as the bullet struck the target, the target with the embedded bullet sped off with a
velocity of 6.0 m s–1.

Calculate the velocity of the bullet just before it hit the stationary target.
(4 marks)
Total 15 marks

May 09

2. (a) (i) Give the difference between a 'vector quantity' and a 'scalar quantity'.
(1 mark)

(ii) Complete Table 2 by writing EACH of the physical quantities from the li st
below in the appropriate column:

Mass, Momentum, Displacement, Heat Capacity, Temperature, Half-Life,

Upthrust.
 29

TABLE2
Vector Scalar
Mass

(6 marks)

(b) A taxi reaches a traffic police officer while travelling at 30m s-1 on the highway. The
officer immediately signals the taxi which decelerates uniformly and comes to a
complete stop in 5 s. (Assume zero reaction time.)

(i) In the space below, draw a velocity- time graph to represent the motion of the
taxi from the moment the officer signals, to when the taxi comes to a stop.
(2 marks)

(ii) Determine the distance travelled by the taxi from the time the police signals
until the taxi stops. (3 marks)

(iii) If the speed limit is 80 km h- 1, determine whether or not the driver should
receive a speeding ticket. (3 marks)

Total 15 marks

4. (a) (i) State the law of the conservation of energy.

(ii) What is the difference between 'potential energy' and 'kinetic energy'?

(iii) Does the fact that heat is lost when work is done against friction violate the law
of conservation of energy? Justify your answer.
(6 marks)
(b) The three- week -long cycling race, the Tour de France, is said to be one of the most
grueling sporting events in the world.

(i) If a cyclist of mass 70 kg uses a bicycle of mass 7 kg, how much work must the
cyclist do against gravity in order to ascend to 2100 m from sea level (0 m)?

(ii) One particular descent goes from 2100 m to 1600 m. Assuming the work done
against friction is 90 % of the potential energy change of the cyclist and the
cycle, what INCREASE in speed in kmh-1 can a rider attain by the end of the
descent?
 30

(iii) What is the average rate of energy conversion of the cyclist and cycle if the
descent in part (ii) takes 1 minute at constant speed?

(Acceleration due to gravity, g =10m s-2)

(9 marks)
Total 15 marks

May 08

2. (a) Table 2 is an incomplete table showing the quantity to be measured. The instrument
used to measure the quantity and its S.I. unit.

Complete Table 2 by writing in the missing information.

Table 2
Quantity to be
Instrument S.l. Unit
measured
Volume of a liquid
Clinical
thermometer
Newton
Time Stop clock

(b) A swimming pool 30 metres long is filled with water to a depth of 1 metre at the
shallow end and 5 metres at the deep end (see Figure 2 not drawn to scale).
 31

Figure 2
(i) ABCD the vertical cross-section through the pool has the shape of a trapezium
with area given by:

1
( AB + CD ) × AD
Area ABCD = 2

Calculate the area ABCD. (2 marks)

(ii) Determine the volume of water in the pool, given that it is 20 metres wide.
(3marks)

(iii) Calculate the mass of water in the pool

[density of water = 1000 kg m-3]

(3marks)

Total 15 marks
--~-~

Jan 08

1. A student investigating a relationship between extension and force for a spring of original length
60.0 em obtained the results seen in Table 1 below.
TABLE1

Mass, mig Force, FIN Final length of Extension,

spring, l/cm e/cm

20.0 ; 60.5
40.0 61.0
60.0 61.5
80.0 62.0
100.0 62.4
 32

120.0 63.0

(a) Complete Table 1 by calculating the force, F, and the extension, e, of the spring.
[acceleration due to gravity, g = 10 N kg- 1
] ( 4 marks)
(b) Plot a graph of Extension against Force on the graph paper on page 2.
(c) From your graph, calculate the slope, S.
·(d) The spring constant is related to the slope of the graph as follows.
1
Spring constant = S.
Calculate the spring constant.
( 2marks)

(e) Draw a labelled diagram showing the apparatus as used in this investigation .
( Smarks)
(f) With the aid of dotted lines, use your graph to
(i) determine the force which would cause an extension of 1.8 em
( 2marks)
(ii) estimate the extension of the spring if a force of 1.3 N is applied.
( 2 marks)
(g) If the student continues to take readings, a point may be reached where proportionality no
longer exists.
Name this point.
( 1 mark)
Total 30 marks

May 07

2. (a)
(b)
-5-
Explain what is meant by the terms 'velocity' and 'acceleration'.
( 3 marks)
ABc

~ ~ -- 27m -----> ~ -- --- - - 54 m ------->

Figure 1
Figure 1 above shows a car at A moving towards C, with a constant velocity of
30m s _,_ As the car passes A, the driver sees an obstruction in the road at C. Due to the
 33

reaction time of the driver, the car travels a distance of27 m, at the same velocity, before
the brakes are applied at B. The car now decelerates uniformly and comes to a halt at C,

which is 54 m from B.

(i) Calculate the reaction time of the driver.

( 2marks)

(ii) The car takes 3.6 s to travel from B to C. In the space below, draw a velocitytime

graph to represent the motion of the car between A and C.

( 3 marks)

(iii) What is the average speed of the car between B and C?

( 3 marks)

(iv) If the mass of the car is 750 kg, find the braking force that slows the car between

Band C.

( 5 marks)

Totall6 marks

May 06

4.

- 10-

(a) Define 'the moment of a fincc ·.

------------- -----·-- - - - --- - - ·--- -··

j marks)

(b) State the principle of moments.

(c)

( 3 mm·ks)

A cyc list hangs his bicycle with the rear wheel in contact with the ground and the hamllc

attached to a light string as shown in Figure 4. The entire assembly is in equilibrium

 34

(i) Indicate by drawing arrows on Figure 4 the forces acting on the bicycle.
( 3 marks)
(ii) Write TWO equations relating these forces.
------ - - - - ----- - ·- ·· - ··- · .
( j marks)

(iii) The bicycle has a mass of 20 kg. Use the result you obtained in Part (c) (ii) to
determine the tension in the string.
[Acceleration due to gravity, g "' 10m s- 2J
( 3 marks)
Total 15 marks

May 05

2.
-5-
MECHANICS
(a) (i) State the principle of conservation of energy.
( 2 marks)
(ii) Define the term 'potential energy ' .
(1 mark)
(iii) Give ONE example of a body possessing potential energy.
( 1 mark)
 35

(iv) Define the term 'kinetic energy'.

( 1 mark)
(v) Give ONE example of a body possessing kinetic energy.
( 1 mark)
(b) At a football match between two college teams, the referee ordered a free kick. The ball of mass
1.5 kg was placed at rest. The kick was about to be taken by an eager footballer.
What was the potential energy of the ball just before the kick was taken?
( 1 mark)
(c) The foothaller kicked the ball and it was caught by the opposing goalkeeper, 4 metres above the
ground. The hall was travelling at 10 111 s- 1
(i) Calculate the potential energy of the ball just before it was caught.
( 3 marks)
(ii) Calculate the kinetic energy of the ball just before it was caught.
(3 marks)
(iii) After the ball was caught, what was the kinetic energy converted into?
(2marks)
Total15 marks